Every now and again, I share something about life here. Generally, it’s to explain why I’m not writing as much as I would like to be. This post will be similar to that, except I am currently writing. A ton.
Story:
In December, I took a test that I’d spent almost two years studying very intently for. This test was basically the last thing I had to do in order to be ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church. Deacons are considered to be and equal but separate order in the episcopal structure of the Anglican Church. Equal to what or to whom? Priests. Deacons stand with one foot in the Church and one foot in the World for the sake of leading God’s people into serving the world. It’s glorious.
All reverends have to be ordained as a deacon before they can become a priest. Priests largely serve in the church. The ministry of the Word and Sacraments are a big deal there. That’s what they do. I have to confess that I’m over-simplifying at this point, but it’s easy to get lost in the details with things like this. So that’s where I’m currently at- only I’m not entirely sure if I should be a priest or not- except, that I’m basically acting like a priest right now and I love it.
Excuse:
A wonderful friend of mine took his family to Rwanda where he’s writing a book. This friend is a pastor at a church in a suburb outside of Boise. I’m covering for him. This is where I get to the fact that I’m writing. I’m preaching almost every week while he’s gone and I’m loving it. I love exegeting the Word. That is, I love to discover what the Bible is saying. I love preaching. I love standing at the table and distributing the elements at Communion. I love the people at this church. I’ve also written a lot about this, but haven’t gotten any of it to a place where I feel like sharing it.
This opportunity is rare and I’m fortunate to be able to do it. I’m having a blast preaching this much, meeting with people and praying for the Church in a way that I never have before. All while working my regular full-time job. So, I’m a little busy right now.
Poem:
FINALLY- The man I’m covering for manages and edits a small arts journal called, Images of Divine Things. People from the Anglican Church around here contribute stories, paintings, poems, basically anything that can be printed in its pages. I’ve had the pleasure of designing most of the cover art and contributing various pieces. Below is a poem I wrote for the most recent issue. I called it Light because I was in a hurry and couldn’t figure out a better name. I’m reading more poetry (Wendell Berry and Robert Frost, for the win!) and have been writing it for some time, but don’t often have the intestinal fortitude to share. But, this one isn’t too bad. Enjoy, my friends.
★ ★ ★
Lights
Nighttime sky reflected by city lights.
Constellations clearly shining,
clumsily carved into creation.
Andromeda chained not to rock but
concrete, along amber-lit avenues.
Perseus waits within walking distance,
only a neighborhood away.
Miles of slow-moving headlights
mirror the Milky Way.
Single cars and satellites circle
interstate and interstellar.
We saw the stars, then built the gutter–
made for one, found in the other.
★ ★ ★
That’s where I’m at. I’ll be back to a regular schedule probably a little after Easter. But I’m looking forward to writing more again!
